(STEM)2 S2E2 Young People's (5,10, and 15 year olds) Conceptions of the Sun

In episode 2 of our second series we are going to explore what the sun means for children and the larger communities they live in. More specifically we will be talking about shadow and solar toy experiments with 5 year olds. We will then extend solar learning and energy activities for 10 and 15 year olds with a deeper understanding of sun as a type of star, and the significance of solar energy in our geologic past, present and future. We will be looking at young people's developing ideas of the sun within the context of Dr. Rosalind Driver's ideas of meaning making and alternative conceptions. Solar4STEM has some simple activities for 5 and 10 year olds to explore. NASA's webpage on stars and the James Webb Telescope has some fascinating information for secondary students. Solar Energy International has some excellent information and resources on solar technologies and activities for secondary students as well.